A) What is the one key idea of this chapter? Pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The key idea in this chapter is being called to be dreamers. In this chapter, we studied Jesus' parables and miracles and the Paschal Mystery. We learned more about the spiritual meanings of the parables instead of just the literal meanings. Through learning more about the parables, we can learn more about how Jesus taught the Jews about the kingdom of God. Through our understanding of the parables, miracles, and the Paschal Mystery, we learn more about the "dream world", also known as the kingdom of God, which Jesus was trying to bring about. Jesus not only told stories but also was trying to teach the truths through his parables. Through learning about this, we can learn more about how to bring about the kingdom of God in our own lives.
B) Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
One thing I would like to remember would be interpreting the parables not only literally but also spiritually. Normally when I would read the parables, I would just think about the story and nothing else. Once we started the chapter, I read the parables, but got more out of it. After really focusing on the words that Jesus said, I have now started to move from the literal level of understanding the story to a spiritual level of understanding.
The other thing that I would like to remember from this chapter would be the pilgrimage that Brother Roger of Taizé set up in Taizé, France. When Brother Roger set up this pilgrimage, it was and outreach for World War II refugees. Now, more than one hundred people have joined to help people in the Taizé community from over thirty different countries. This community is known as a "Parable Community" in which people with different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences live as one. When I first read this, I thought about how interesting this was. I also remember Mrs. Queathem talking about this once in our Freshman Theology class and thinking that it was really interesting. I think that this is a very inspiring thing and I hope that I can at least do something to help out my community in a time of need.
C) One image that captures the chapter for you.
A picture of all of the parables
D) One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal. Just write out the question. Try to answer it if you want.
How come the people did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah even after they saw all of the miracles that he had performed and if the did, why did they still persecute him and put him to death?
E) What is your favorite parable or miracle story? Cite the passage (book, chapter and verse) and explain why you chose this.
My favorite parable would be The Good Samaritan:
Jesus replied, "A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.' Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers' victim?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise.”(LK 10:30-37)
If I had to pick any parable, I think that The Good Samaritan parable would be my favorite for a number of reasons. I believe that this parable was the first parable that I had ever heard when I was younger and I had always liked the story. Also, I think that the moral of this story is very valuable to follow. In this parable, Jesus is telling us that even our enemies may help us in our time of need. This parable even had more meaning during Jesus' time since he was preaching to the Jews and the Samaritans and the Jews were enemies. This story also could've angered the priests because Jesus said that they wouldn't help the man but the Samaritan would.
